East Side Lake

How big is East Side Lake?

How deep is East Side Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in East Side Lake?

What are the closest cities to East Side Lake?

Are there topographical lake maps available East Side Lake?

We have an topograpical map for online viewing near the top of this page. Lake-Link Pro users can download an print a topograpical map of East Side Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

East Side Lake

Are there boat launches on East Side Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near East Side Lake?

East Side Lake is a small (39.0 acre) lake located in the Town of Austin in Mower County. Residential development has disturbed and altered the majority of East Side Lake's shoreline. In areas with residential development, lawns are typically maintained to the shores edge, which limits the functionality of the riparian buffer. East Side Lake is unique in that it is situated in a part of Minnesota that has very few lakes, and because it provides an urban fishery opportunity for the Town of Austin. A city owned public access is located on the east side of the lake in the City Park. East Side Lake provides ample shoreline angling opportunities because the city park encompasses the entire east side of the lake. Natural reproduction is sufficient to maintain crappie, largemouth bass, and bluegill populations; however, walleye fingerlings and adults were stocked in 2007 and 2011 to maintain the walleye population. Primary management species in East Side Lake include bluegill and black crappie, and secondary management species include walleye and largemouth bass. A population assessment was conducted on 8-15-2012 to monitor fish populations in East Side Lake using 1 gill net and 6 trap nets.

Water quality was poor at East Side Lake during the assessment. The brown/green water was turbid and had a secchi depth of 1.0 feet. The turbid water color was likely caused by algae blooms and runoff events. Dissolved oxygen was good ranging from 21.0 ppm at the surface to 10.5 ppm at 3.0 feet deep.

Black crappie catch rates have decreased significantly in the last decade. In 2003, 2007, and 2012, black crappies were captured at rates of 119.5, 72.5, and 17.8/trap net, which are high compared to similar lakes. Black crappie size structure was small with lengths ranging from 2.6 to 8.2 inches and averaging 7.3 inches. White crappies were also present but occurred in lower numbers than black crappie (4.3/trap net) which is about average for similar lakes. White crappies were small with all of them being less than 9.5 inches in length. The 2012 white crappie catch rate was the lowest observed catch rate on East Side Lake.

The 2012 bluegill catch rate (2.3/trap net) decreased since the 2007 survey (29.7/trap net), which is low when compared to similar lakes. The size of bluegills was decent with lengths ranging from 5.2 to 7.1 inches and averaging 6.1 inches. The 2012 bluegill catch rate was the lowest ever observed on East Side Lake.

Bluegill and crappie catch rates were the lowest that have been documented on East Side Lake and were likely the result of a summer fish kill reported on July 24, 2012. Locals reported thousands of dead black crappies, largemouth bass, bluegills, and minnows.

Walleyes are a secondary management species in East Side Lake and are periodically stocked to maintain the existing population. In 2007, walleyes were captured at a rate of 2.0/gill net and increased to 6.0/gill net in 2012 which was relatively high compared to similar lakes. Otolith ages indicated a successful stocking in 2011, as all of the walleyes collected were age-1. The walleyes exhibited good growth ranging in length from 9.5 to 11.7 inches after their first year.

White sucker have historically been abundant in East Side Lake and the trend continued as they were caught at a rate of 23.0/gill net and 9.8/trap net. Common carp, golden shiner, largemouth bass, black bullhead, and green sunfish were present but occurred in low numbers.

What is the average air temp for East Side Lake?

Are there any state parks near East Side Lake?